TacticalBlues

Heard many things about the last Neymar thread and its tedious nature. However seeing as his departing from Santos seems close, and we are in the mix even if it's a long shot with Real & Barca their too, we're an option. Heck I see it as likely as Aguero signing for Man City, which eventually happened despite the amasses of interest he aroused across top European Clubs. I do remain skeptic, with Real and their policy with signing big names and recouping it through merchandise, because let's not forget how huge he is in Brazil, but his love for London, AVB's purported interest in him and the Brazillians we pertain give me hope. Most importantly however, we are a top club and Neymar has said it himself. He can imo help take us too the next level, like Hazard/Gotze could. I mean Mata and Neymar compared too Kalouda is a prospect that really excites me. That with Davilla and Kakuta in our hands we could really have an exciting future attack. Anyway I hope this doesn't get locked :541: but here is the latest news today: "I would definitely like Neymar in my team but it is up to him to decide where he wants to play - I hope he signs for Chelsea," the London Evening Standard quotes Luiz as saying. "Neymar's getting to know London and he likes it very much. I love it here, too. It's one of the best cities in the world - all I miss is the beach." Chelsea defender Luiz has also revealed that he's made a wager with Chelsea team-mate and Ghana star Michael Essien over the clash at Fulham's ground. "We have a bet and whoever wins gets a dinner paid for and it has to be expensive," added Luiz. Also heard Di Matteo was at Brazil's last game.

It's like saying Drogba vs Anelka, Anelka will poach the goals because he's a natural goal-scorer, and Drogba will terrorise defenders, assist and score too. At the end of the day however we all know that Drogba is the superior striker. But in Didier's case their aren't many strikers around like him that can score as many as he does, and do as much as he does on the pitch. He's just incredible. If anyone though, Lukaku is one of those rare players that pertains the potential to follow in his footsteps.

I just hope we play a Sturridge - Lukaku/Torres - Mata front three and Kalou remains off the team-sheet in the stands. If Luiz ihas recovered I really hope he plays, he has such a positive vibe that always rubs onto the players and fans.

I have confidence in our team, hopefully when our loanees come back we'll have some creative, attacking and quick wingers too. But what a story it would be if we win, Villas-Boas's Chelsea claim Premier League Title in the year of the Manchester, with Lukaku, Torres and Mata (and Kalou of the bench in his 1 minute cameo) securing the crown in what was an exciting game at the Ethiad Stadium. I can see it now :eyebrows:

If only we still had Ballack, great squad player and would have been a big point of attraction to any German player.

I know we can't include Kakuta, Davilla and Piazon in atm but we can't forget we have some gems. I'd say our youths have more potential to become world-class than theirs too. Young, Valencia, Anderson all good players but you couldn't foresee them entering the Ronaldo, Messi, Xavi Iniesta, Ozil bracket of players. Some of our players truly can. They bolster a good prospect as a defence for the future but Chalobah, Bertrand, Luiz, Aanholt, Bruma? Ours could be just as good if not better.

Mike Phelan needs to sort himself out and that awful beard he's grown. Seem's like he's going for a "Harrison Ford from the Fugitive" look, but he just can't.

Well the truth of the matter is, no matter how much Kalou has improved he just simply isn't good enough to be a consistently played winger for Chelsea. Look at Barca, Real, Milans, Bayern, United - the teams that are always challenging. All of them have wingers, with speed, skill and flair - Kalou isn't even in the top 5 for our fastest players and as a winger we can't have that - if he had the skill and flair to make up for it then perhaps he would be more accepted, but he just doesn't. Occasionally he can beat players but it is a rarity. We've all had to watch this for years always making up some excuses or justification that 'he's improving' but most of us are sick and tired. I think his inclusion in the UCL at Lukaku's expense will only damage his dislike, but we all can't forget that its not him that make these decisions. He is a great guy and such but as a player, he's not quite what we want.

He does have a fantastic opportunity at Bolton, and if he can just gain some confidence and most importantly game-time it'll be great for all involved parties. Let's be honest, Kakuta is one of the best talents in the world and just last year he was U-20 Euro golden-boy. Given the opportunity he can become whatever he wants to be and if he fulfills his potential I honestly think we could avail one of the best footballers in the world.

This ^ De Bruyne's a fantastic talent and for even 8 mill you can't really go wrong. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQrFqSrguZY After watching this video again it annoys me that we couldn't get him for what I doubt would be over 10 mill max'.And lol some people should quit getting their hopes up for Ganso, I highly doubt we've got him, I mean if we have it would definitely be the most secret marquee signing I can remember.

I agree that it is time for Lamps too move on for sure but this thread is a great reminder too us all for the respect he deserves. Afterall when Scholes was imo 'washed up" you didn't hear Utd fans slating him, and their brainless. Besides I'm sure Lamps is aware that he can't be playing consistently as he used too in every game, and he will definitely be a player pushing Josh's career forward, nurturing him too the best of his abilities. Sometimes people just find it difficult to express themselves over the fact Josh isn't playing and unintentionally bash Frank, what we must also not forget is it's not Lampsy's fault that Mceachran is benched.

Yeh, Brazillian media would have been all over it and I'm pretty sure pen has to have been put on paper too.

If we have got him, I will honestly be more excited than if we signed Modric or Pastore (only a little), I rate him so high - he has the potential to become anything. Yes, he's got some injury problems but he's got more ability and creativity than most. In Brazil along with Neymar (his "brother") both of them are considered the 'saviours' of Brazilian football who will bring the Samba back. TBH I'm surprised only Milan were after him. But the problem is the fact that the Milan(s) were interested , they were priced out however yet he kept reaffirming his desire to play in Italy, and AC more specifically - with Robinho, Pato and Silva. Had it not been for the massive surplus of Madrid and Barca's midfield I wouldn't be to surprised if they looked to the Duck. If we did knab him it would be amazing, but with Brazil and their major interest in these matters and the media in England its almost impossible that this ever happened. They've already started the season in Brazil too, and they're window is also closed. I highly doubt Santos wouldn't sell such a intergal player of their team if they didn't have a replacement.

Oh cr*p Tevez stayed at City.

Didn't want him, but he'll do Ok - who would you have preferred though Arteta at 10 mill or Meireles at 15 million.

Whattttttt!

Dont worry guys 50 seconds left. Finished Thank God for that.

Only thing bugging me is that we're loaning out Benayoun and haven't got a replacement. It will be good for Davilla & Kakuta to get expereince but I would've liked it if we held gave one of them a chance because they can both bring something that Kalouda can't.

Cech probably, with Ivanovic vice - however, one day I would love to see Luiz captain us.

Well I wouldn't put it like that at all, Drogba's not subservient to Torres at all. He can still play, and I'm sure he understands that he can't get every game at his age like he used too.

The Dzeko situation gives me some hope too, he had time to gel, and now has Silva, Nasri and Aguero helping him out. We have Mata and if we get a Modric/Sneijder before the end of the window watch the difference. Torres is a great striker , but needs some more service and balls to be delivered to him. I mean we all know how hopeless our wingers have been and how we've lacked creativity - these don't just impact the wingers/midfielders as well all know but the strikers too. Guess we're just spoiled with Drogba who has sometimes shown he doesn't need anybody, besides he played with Lampard in his prime and did have more service/help than what we have provided Torres. He's the shadow of himself and sometimes I feel he's is looking to pass to Drogba even though he's on the bench! A creative midfielder is needed and Mceachran and Mata (goes without saying) need to be used more. EDIT: Forgot about Davilla, hope he gets some chances. Really excited about him. Kakuta should be given some too. Those two can definitely far better the Kalouda.

Going to be difficult game, but really hope Sturridge, Mata and Lukaku get the start. Torres should come on too.

Honestly I think some people are a little harsh on AVB. I agree with "Styles" it's just quite unlucky. But he's actually doing a decent job imo. He's practically had the exact same squad from last season until around now where we have Mata, Romeu, Lukaku & Davila, which look like they can hopefully add alot. I mean the first game was Stoke away so is never ever a easy game, and we should really of had a penalty (I know its not excuse but we score we'd probably have gone on to win which is all that matters). We got the win against WBA and shouldn't have conceded, if it weren't for a stupid mistake. Similarly today we shouldn't have conceded if it wasn't for a stupid mistake. I know they haven't been convincing wins but with the squad we've had it was always going to be difficult. But now we have Mata, Romeu, Davila & Lukaku, with Luiz hopefully fit and additionally Sturridge back from suspension, its potentially a new team.Tbh one of the only complaints I have is that I think he should play McEachran nevertheless this is where I'd make a assessment on AVB. I mean he can't be half bad if he's dropped Kalou from the squad :eyebrows:

DROGBA TO BE RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2434371,00.html

AVB on Drogba, Skypsorts: "He is a little bit better and coming around. He is going for a full scan to assess the extent of the head injury and the concussion. "He has made steady progress since he has fallen I have to complement my medical staff for being able to react straight away to a dangerous situation."